Tests From The Future

When we visited the Senkenberg History Museum, they gave us a box full of old devices that they no longer needed. So we decided to do an unboxing session live on the podcast. To make it more entertaining, we first guess what the device is, before reading the label. It's a perfect opportunity for us to learn more about 21st century technology and about the devices you are using in your everyday lif...

Zwaveball isn't just a bunch of people trying to score goals by punching and kicking a hover ball. It's a culture! And Simon knows all about it. In this episode he explains the basic rules of the game, lets us know what he likes most about it, and seems to tell us that he plays for 'the red team'. Or was it 'the blue team'? Having only watched Zwaveball games so far, Dirk finally finds out why its...

Imagine you're not only being filmed, but also permanently recorded. Now imagine this happens to everybody everywhere all the time. Sounds like an invasion of your privacy? Not once you're used to it! In this episode we look at the bright side of cams. They allow you to relive the best moments of your life (which hardly anybody ever does), to check the weather before you teleport somewhere (which...

We've been talking about all kinds of tech these past few months, but who's making all of that stuff? In this episode we'll go over the 10 biggest tech companies of 2222. All of these companies are market leaders (and sometimes even the monopolist) in their respective industries, and at least one of them will make your mouth water. You may actually recognise some of them if you've listened to our...

Often referred to in previous episodes, but never given the attention they deserve - it's time to talk robots. Treating them as a tech topic feels a little odd though. They've been independent - and officially sentient - for a long time. In this episode we bring you up to speed on robot history, robot types and robot factions (or fractions as Dirk keeps calling them). We also explain the pros and...

This week we are in an anti-tech mood. Nothing drastic! We just thought it'd be funny to speak a little bit more about these Down To Earth Camps. It's where people go to be without tech for a while. Depending on your perspective, they can be very refreshing or very stressful. Since Dirk used to go to them, Simon asks him to explain how they went about getting food, only to find out that Dirk usual...

Orejones (pronounced "Orejones") are devices that are installed in your skull. They let us hear stuff! They were developed in Mexico and are actually based on old tech, so apologies if you already know about them back in the 21st century. In the episode you'll find out how Orejones are used in our daily lives, that it really doesn't make sense to go to Georgia without them, and what goes on at the...

The topic of the week is off topic! At first, we get a little carried away by the 3D Printer Manufacturer Strike that's currently going on. You'll find out why they're striking, and also that it is especially bad for people in row boats. Then we read an email from a listener that blows our socks off! It's about episode 17. The listener claims we stole our idea from a few guys in the early 20th cen...

Hello, hello, it's time to talk about Cyborg Chips! They're in our bodies and were initially developed to keep us healthy. We do briefly explain that, but then get right into the more exciting stuff! You see, these chips also allow the more commercial Avatar Apps, which let you change your appearance. Just think about that. And then listen to the episode! Because some things are really beyond imag...

This week we speak about alien technology. Among other things, we discuss… Hold on! Does 'alien' really refer to species from other planets? Well… yes. So, let's get you up to speed quickly by giving you a summary of what happened over the last 2-3 decades, as far as aliens are concerned, before we actually get into the topic of the week. You'll learn which technology is already officially in use,...

It's Solstice! A celebration that takes place twice a year, on the shortest and longest days. You get presents and you celebrate by visiting both hemispheres on the same day. At least, if you don't get stuck in a Teleporter queue. There are flying sleighs, parties on pine tree branches, and all kinds of things you definitely don't want to miss out on. We even figure out where the funny name comes...

This week Simon speaks about Telekinesis, which is what he's studying at the moment. It's pretty new stuff, even for us 23rd century folk, so Dirk is also learning all kinds of things. Like many great inventions, Telekinesis was discovered by accident and Simon explains what is necessary to be able to use it and how it makes for great party tricks. He even uses it live on the show! As a bonus, you...

In the future there will be… cars! They don't need drivers though. Nor roads. You see, they hover. But didn't you have teleporters too, you ask? Sure! But why hurry when you can relax and have a conversation with a stranger, while enjoying the view? In this episode, we explain what kind of cars there are, how to use them and which modes of transport still touch the ground in the 23rd century. To c...

In 2221 everybody has Pods. They're human sized containers that allow people to rest, relax and rejuvenate. But just how do they work? What are the newest models? And most importantly, can your pet go in there with you? In this episode we try to answer all of these questions. On top of that, we have just been to a Reenactment Fair, where people reenact old jobs. Did you know that a hair dresser di...

This week's episode starts with Dirk being late, because his Teleporter was malfunctioning. The actual tech topic of the week is Personal Assistants, which are virtual aids that help you with everything. They can be spoken to from anywhere, but certain settings can be pretty counterproductive or even embarrassing. You'll find out why Simon doesn't use his PA, what the name of Dirk's PA is, and why...

This week we chat about Congos, properly known as Food Conglomerators. They're essentially 3D printers for food, but they can make other things too. You'll find out what the Pebble Network is, whether it matters if your Congo is green or brown, and some of the concerns people have about eating food made from material of undistinguishable origin. To confirm this episode went back in time, please em...

It worked! The 29th test actually reached 2021 apparently - exactly 200 years ago. A listener called Gustav emailed us at michaellasagna5@gmail.com . Thanks, Gustav! So, this is now our first proper episode. We kick off discussing everyday technology from the year 2221 with one of the most common applications of our time, Teleporters. We explain that you can do your morning run on the other side o...

Hello, hello, can anybody hear us? We are Simon and Dirk and we live in the year 2221. We're trying to send podcast episodes back in time. Seriously! This is our 29th test already, and this time we've set the low fidelity wave burner to -20. Let's hope we finally reach somebody in the past! This episode itself is just a short test, but our podcast is really about our everyday technology in the yea...

Where are the first 28 episodes of Tests From The Future? Simon and Dirk explain it all! To confirm this episode went back in time, please email michaellasagna5@gmail.com with the episode number in the subject line. We may even respond to your message in a future episode. Chapters 00:00 - Hello 00:15 - Missing Episodes 01:44 - Goodbye Credits Episode Art: Retro Wave by PhotoFunia Theme Music: Over...